Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips carted off field with lower leg injury
Miami Dolphins (8-3) linebacker Jaelan Phillips was carted off the field with an apparent lower leg injury during the fourth quarter of the Black Friday Week 12 road contest against the New York Jets (4-7).
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Phillips has been diagnosed with a non-contact Achilles injury. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter with the Dolphins holding a 27-6 lead over the Jets. As Phillips took off from the line of scrimmage, you can see a ripple in his calf — typically a sign of a torn Achilles. Should further evaluation prove this to be the case, Phillips’ 2023 season will be over.
Phillips was in the midst of one of his best games of the season, tallying four tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and two quarterback hits. The Dolphins defeated the Jets, 34-13.
Phillips, 24, is in his third season after the Dolphins selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Miami. In eight games this season, he has recorded 6.5 sacks, 42 tackles (26 solo), nine quarterback hits and one interception. In the two seasons prior, he totaled 15.5 sacks, 103 tackles (60 solo) and 41 quarterback hits. The loss of Phillips is a big one for the Dolphins, who are among the best teams in the AFC.
Jaelan Phillips becomes latest to suffer serious injury at MetLife Stadium
Phillips is the latest high-profile player to suffer a potential season-ending injury at MetLife Stadium. The turf at MetLife Stadium has long been subject to criticism from players around the league. Since 2020 alone, players such as San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers have suffered serious leg injuries while playing on the turf at MetLife Stadium.
The latter, who suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1, is attempting to make a comeback this season. The Jets could certainly use a boost, as they’ve dropped four games in a row.